2009 Acura TL vs. 1972 Mercury Monterey
To start off, 2009 Acura TL is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercury Monterey. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercury Monterey would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Mercury Monterey is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Acura TL (276 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Monterey. (164 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Acura TL should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Monterey.
Because 1972 Mercury Monterey is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 Mercury Monterey. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Acura TL, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1972 Mercury Monterey (383 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Acura TL. (254 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Monterey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Acura TL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Acura TL | 1972 Mercury Monterey | |
| Make | Acura | Mercury |
| Model | TL | Monterey |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 254 Nm | 383 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 5720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 3160 mm |
